Glossary of Terms

If you have any questions or need more information about the terms defined below, please ask your physician.

AC Adapter: A power adapter that plugs into a wall electrical outlet.

Angioplasty: The process of widening a blocked or narrowed blood vessel to restore blood flow to the heart.

Anticoagulants: Medications used to slow your blood from forming clots.

Battery: One of the power sources used to run the HVAD System. Two batteries, or one battery and an AC adapter or DC adapter are required at all times.

Battery Charger: The unit used to charge batteries. With the HVAD System, up to four batteries may be charged at a time.

Bridge-to-Transplant: A medical indication and treatment protocol where a VAD is used to assist heart function while a patient awaits a heart transplant.

HVAD Controller: A small computer that operates the VAD and communicates information about how the VAD is working.

DC Adapter: A power adapter that uses power from an automobile electrical outlet to run the controller and VAD.

Driveline: The “cable” attached to the implanted VAD that passes through the skin to connect to the controller.

Exit Site: The location where the driveline passes through the skin.

HVAD® System: The shortened name for the HVAD System, which comprises the HVAD® Pump, controller, and power sources.

HVAD Pump: The name of the HeartWare VAD.

ICD: An abbreviation for Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator. This is an implanted device that sends small electrical shocks to the heart to stop fast, and potentially deadly, heart rhythms.

LVAD or VAD: An abbreviation for Left Ventricular Assist Device or Ventricular Assist Device. This is the mechanical pump that is implanted in the left ventricle of the heart.

LVAS or VAS: An abbreviation for Left Ventricular Assist System or Ventricular Assist System. This comprises the mechanical pump (LVAD), the controller, and each of the power sources (batteries, AC adapter, and DC adapter).

Pacemaker: A small implanted device that sends electri­cal signals to the heart via electrodes to cause the heart to contract. This device is intended to maintain a regular heart beat.

Patient Pack: worn around a patient’s waist or shoulder, this pack contains the VAD peripherals, such as the batteries and controller – enabling VAD patients to maintain a mobile lifestyle.

Pericardial Placement: the ability to locate the VAD in the double-walled sac that contains the heart; negating the need to create a more invasive pump pocket within the abdomen to hold the VAD.

Pump: A common alternate name for a LVAD or VAD.

Shower Bag: A water-resistant carrying case for your controller and batteries while showering.